On July 29, Secretary Kerry’s video message congratulating the Mongolian people on marking 25 years of democracy was broadcast during Mongolia’s official Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of Democratic Elections in Mongolia.
Secretary Kerry said, “On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I want to congratulate you, our good friends in Mongolia, on the 25th anniversary of your democracy.
“A quarter century ago this month, your country made an historic decision to follow the path of free elections, open markets, and the rule of law. It was the right decision, and it has made Mongolia a model for others in the region and for fledgling democracies worldwide.
“To build a democracy requires both courage and initiative – of which there is no shortage in Mongolia.
“In fact, I am told that you have a saying: ‘If you’re afraid, do not do it. If you do it, don’t be afraid.’
“For 25 years, Mongolians have shown absolutely no fear of democracy or of the free and open debate that political liberty entails.”
U.S. Department of State’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Chinese and Mongolian Affairs and Taiwan Coordination, Susan A. Thornton, and the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia, Abraham Denmark, celebrated Mongolia’s 25th anniversary of democracy with public remarks and participation in events in Ulaanbaatar coordinated by the Mongolian government.
Mongolia has had six democratic elections since its peaceful democratic revolution in 1990.
In her remarks, Deputy Assistant Secretary Thornton congratulated the Mongolian people on their democratic transition and reaffirmed the strong relationship between the United States and Mongolia.
She said, “Mongolia’s decision for democracy reflects the courage and determination of a nation of rugged individualists who want a say in how things are run. Thanks to Mongolia’s decision to hold elections 25 years ago, three million Mongolians now have the chance to shape their government to help them realize their dreams and their goals.”
